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HB 2355

Sewage - As introduced, increases, from a Class C to Class B misdemeanor, the classification of offenses involving unlawful disposal of sewage if the person commits the offense while engaged in the business of removing accumulated wastes from subsurface sewage disposal systems; requires the revocation of a person's waste removal permit for a violation. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 68, Chapter 221.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Howell

Tennessee bill upgrades sewage misdemeanors to Class B felonies for licensed waste operators and requires automatic permit revocation for violations.

Signed by Governor.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2355

Legislative bill overview

HB 2355 upgrades the criminal penalty for unlawful sewage disposal from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor when committed by licensed waste removal professionals. The bill also mandates automatic permit revocation for violations, directly targeting commercial operators of subsurface sewage disposal systems.

Why this is important

Improper sewage disposal poses serious public health and environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and disease transmission. By increasing penalties and permit consequences specifically for licensed professionals—who have training and legal obligations—the bill aims to deter negligent or intentional violations by those responsible for managing waste systems that affect entire communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Severity of penalty increase: Class B misdemeanors carry harsher penalties than Class C; stakeholders may debate whether this proportional escalation is warranted or could overburden small waste removal businesses
  • Mandatory permit revocation: Automatic revocation eliminates judicial discretion for borderline cases and could put small operators out of business permanently after a single violation, raising fairness concerns
  • Definitional clarity: The bill's scope of "unlawful disposal" and what triggers Class B classification versus Class C needs clear interpretation to avoid uneven enforcement across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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